The Criterion Collection

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Originally Posted by retask

Really looking forward to The Vanishing, even thou its without a doubt the most depressing film Ive ever seen.

Yes, The Vanishing is an amazing film, though very disturbing. I think one of the many reasons it's so tough to watch is that it's so possible, i.e. losing someone & not being able to find them again.

In some ways, it reminds me of the 1997 Kurt Russell suspense flick Breakdown - of course, The Vanishing is far superior.

I haven't seen the U.S. remake, though I'm sure it's not as good as the original...

[Oblivion138]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

Yes, The Vanishing is an amazing film, though very disturbing. I think one of the many reasons it's so tough to watch is that it's so possible, i.e. losing someone & not being able to find them again.

In some ways, it reminds me of the 1997 Kurt Russell suspense flick Breakdown - of course, The Vanishing is far superior.

I haven't seen the U.S. remake, though I'm sure it's not as good as the original...

The American remake is frustrating. Made by the same director as the Dutch original, it is stylish, and bolstered by a few strong performances. The first 3/4 or so, it seems like it will be a solid remake. Then we get to the third act, and it flies off the rails. There's a studio-mandated happy ending which is completely antithetic to the bleak ending of the original. Once it reaches that point of divergence, the remake becomes a standard Hollywood thriller.

[Blu Titan]

Originally Posted by szyzk

The Vanishing?

Yes, please!

Now they just need to knock The Ascent off my wishlist...

The Vanishing would be awesome .

[PocosuTheCamel]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

The Extras are what make Criterion. Like you say, they can add a dimension to the overall experience of watching a certain film which gives you an appreciation you may not have from the film alone.

Completely agree. When I was watching the special features on the films included in the John Cassavetes set with my father, he was greatly enjoying it. And he never watches special features.

[Adrock]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

The Vanishing would be awesome .

Agreed. Bought the Criterion DVD a year or two ago, but I don't think I would have any objection to upgrading.

[iamnoone]

Originally Posted by Oblivion138

The American remake is frustrating. Made by the same director as the Dutch original, it is stylish, and bolstered by a few strong performances. The first 3/4 or so, it seems like it will be a solid remake. Then we get to the third act, and it flies off the rails. There's a studio-mandated happy ending which is completely antithetic to the bleak ending of the original. Once it reaches that point of divergence, the remake becomes a standard Hollywood thriller.

Perfectly said. I remember going to see the remake in theaters and shaking my head in disbelief at how they completely botched what made the original so powerful. The bleak ending and finality of the original is what makes it the classic it is.

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by PocosuTheCamel

Completely agree. When I was watching the special features on the films included in the John Cassavetes set with my father, he was greatly enjoying it. And he never watches special features.

My best example, from the 14 I've watched was Safety Last! I was so looking forward to this film but was very underwhelmed by it. A few weeks later I watched the film again with the Audio Commentary, whilst it is still not the masterpiece I so wanted it to be, I understand the film more and have a greater appreciation for what Lloyd did.

[GxyExpress999]

Originally Posted by Oblivion138

The American remake is frustrating. Made by the same director as the Dutch original, it is stylish, and bolstered by a few strong performances. The first 3/4 or so, it seems like it will be a solid remake. Then we get to the third act, and it flies off the rails. There's a studio-mandated happy ending which is completely antithetic to the bleak ending of the original. Once it reaches that point of divergence, the remake becomes a standard Hollywood thriller.

[Show spoiler]"The original was about the banality of evil, but the remake became about the evil of banality."

[jayembee]

Originally Posted by ShellOilJunior

I would love to see Criterion release more films from Kore-eda and Lee Chang-dong. Both their CC releases are excellent.

I would love to see anyone release more films from Hirokazu Kore-eda.

[PocosuTheCamel]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

My best example, from the 14 I've watched was Safety Last! I was so looking forward to this film but was very underwhelmed by it. A few weeks later I watched the film again with the Audio Commentary, whilst it is still not the masterpiece I so wanted it to be, I understand the film more and have a greater appreciation for what Lloyd did.

Every film I've purchased from the Criterion Collection I appreciate, even if its not entirely my cup of tea. The extras of course have a lot to do with this, but I'm also quite predisposed to appreciating art-house film.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

Off to try the new Jarmusch film tomorrow. Not seen any of his Criterion releases but I did enjoy Broken Flowers. Before that I will watch Like Father, Like Son, Hirokazu Koreeda needs to be in the Criterion collection.

So jealous the new Jarmusch movie is out in your city before mine. I have another week to wait! Arghhh! j/k.

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by jw007

So jealous the new Jarmusch movie is out in your city before mine. I have another week to wait! Arghhh! j/k.

I flirted with the film back when I was going to TIFF last year but left it. A friend of mine is a Jim groupie and saw the film at the recent Belgrade Film Festival. I saw the trailer before The Grand Budapest Hotel a few weeks back. It looks like it could deliver my kind of humour.

[jw007]

Originally Posted by Clare2904

I flirted with the film back when I was going to TIFF last year but left it. A friend of mine is a Jim groupie and saw the film at the recent Belgrade Film Festival. I saw the trailer before The Grand Budapest Hotel a few weeks back. It looks like it could deliver my kind of humour.

The humor of Jarmusch is unlike many other directors out there (except maybe his ally, Aki Kaurismaki, in Finland). I dig the deadpan and dry comedy quite a bit. I recommend you check out his back catalog, esp. Down by Law and maybe Ghost Dog.

[laz305]

Scored just my 3rd one for $17. Thx for the tip on Man Who Fell. Yeah I'd never pay more than retail. You guys are insane lol

[Clare2904]

Originally Posted by jw007

The humor of Jarmusch is unlike many other directors out there (except maybe his ally, Aki Kaurismaki, in Finland). I dig the deadpan and dry comedy quite a bit. I recommend you check out his back catalog, esp. Down by Law and maybe Ghost Dog.

I have just checked to confirm my thinking and my local library has the Criterion copy of Down By Law. I may pick it up one day (way too many already waiting)

[laz305]

What are the chances the UK Man Who Fell to Earth will still come with a slipcover?

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by laz305

Scored just my 3rd one for $17. Thx for the tip on Man Who Fell. Yeah I'd never pay more than retail. You guys are insane lol

[Show spoiler]

Good luck with finding any OOP Criterion for retail price.

[laz305]

Originally Posted by iScottie

Good luck with finding any OOP Criterion for retail price.

That still doesn't justify spending $200.

[Scottie]

Originally Posted by laz305

That still doesn't justify spending $200.

Of course not, as there's always cheaper copies going up for sale. However, to each his own.

I remember paying about $75 for my copy, brand new and factory sealed.

[smoss469]

Originally Posted by laz305

Scored just my 3rd one for $17. Thx for the tip on Man Who Fell. Yeah I'd never pay more than retail. You guys are insane lol

Great movie, very off the wall/beaten path but really enjoyable. Movies like that.... with plots that seem to be lost in the shuffle now and then during the movie with non-nonsensical elements have really been getting thumbs up from me lately.

Stuff like that, or Branded to Kill or even Babo '73 have been great! Would love to find more stuff like those.